Dal Porto Ranch offers a full riding lesson program open to all levels of horseback riders in the East Bay area as well as Brentwood, Antioch, Oakley, Livermore, Pleasanton, Tracy, Clayton and Discovery Bay.

We welcome beginners who have never been on a horse before to kids who have been riding for years. Advance programs and equestrian show teams are run by Carol Dal Porto and available for any students who want more opportunities in riding.

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Lessons for beginning to advanced riders

We have riding lesson packages that include a combination of group and individual lessons for children as young as three. You can also add lessons to your monthly package to suit your needs.

Our lessons “start where you are” so they are tailored to each student’s skill level. For students who are new to Dal Porto Ranch but not new to riding, an evaluation lesson will help us decide the proper placement and best lesson option for you.

One of a kind riding program

We believe in teaching every rider proper balance and aids before moving on to more advanced skills, producing safer and more effective equestrians.

A variety of lesson horses give our students the opportunity to experience many kinds of horse, from big to small, young to old. We also believe in learning by watching so when they are ready, our students ride in a group lesson giving them a sense of community while offering visual learning.

$155/month

Young Riders

Children 3-6 years old

30 minute weekly lesson

One on one instruction

Lesson times: Tues-Thurs 12:30, 1:00 and 1:30 pm

Full of fun and learning, these one-on-one beginning lessons are aimed at the young rider.

$235/month

Ages 6 and up

Combination of private & semi-private instruction

1 hour lesson every week

Lesson times: Tues-Thurs 12:00-6:00pm & Sat 9:00-2:00pm

For riders who want to continue on in our program, these lessons include private and semi-private instruction.

$75/Sat. Camp

Upcoming Horse Camps

Saturday, March 10th 1-4 pm

3-day camp March 19-21 $225

Saturday, April 14th 1-4 pm

Saturday, May 12th 1-4 pm

Our Saturday and weeklong horse camps offer a fun mix of riding and educational barn activities. Open to children of all ages and riding levels.

Our riding philosophy

As riders progress in our programs, they learn about the care and well-being of the horse. We recognize that the best riders have learned an understanding of the horse’s nature and develop strong partnerships with the horses through this understanding. Through knowledge of the horse and understanding of its nature, a relationship is developed.

At Dal Porto Ranch, we have witnessed that as each student’s riding skills improve and self-awareness increases, they learn to recognize how their own actions affect other beings. As a result, we see our students become more mindful of their actions in their riding and in their daily lives.

We promote an atmosphere of support that fosters a student's natural self-confidence. We encourage individual growth and the development of friendships that will last a lifetime.

What makes Dal Porto different?

Students can discover the world of horses and trust that their first horse lesson will be in a professional and qualified program. All are welcome to remain a member of our barn family as a recreational rider for as long as they want.

As our students advance, Dal Porto Ranch offers them opportunities to join our Show Teams on our horses or a horse of your own. Even going as far as the world show and still know our program is qualified to take them there and be successful.

Specialty areas of riding instruction

Dal Porto’s riding program was designed and developed by Carol Dal Porto. It “starts where you are” so lessons are tailored to the student’s skill level. Carol’s goal is to teach each rider the skills needed to become responsible, compassionate and effective riders.

Equitation

Western

Huntseat

Do I need my own horse?

No, we have gentle lesson horses available. If you are a beginner, we have quality lesson horses that are well trained and perfectly suitable for those just learning to ride. We also have more advanced horses for riders as they continue to progress in their riding skills.

Our gentle well-trained lesson horses play an essential role in the process of learning to ride as you can only learn to ride as well as the horse is trained.

Haul-in lessons available

If you have a horse and are interested in bringing your horse to the ranch for lessons, contact Carol for more information and availability.

Payment

Payment is due before your first lesson of the new month and no later than the 7th.

Cancellation and Makeup Policy

We understand that sometimes cancellations are unavoidable, but unless an actual emergency is involved, it should be understood that we require at least a 24-hour notice of any cancellation.

When we do receive a 24-hour notice, we will give you a credit towards a make-up lesson.

Day camps offer more fun with horses

Dal Porto Ranch also offers horse day camps throughout the year for children of all ages. We have several camps in the summer and during school vacations along with once a month on Saturdays during the school year. Visit our Camps page to learn more.

“Thank you Carol for having a very good eye and looking out for the best interest of my children. Thank you for being part of the upbringing of my children and teaching them discipline, self-respect and motivation. In reality you are a huge part of our life because what you do for my children is irreplaceable. We are a team and that is why I drive two hours for them to ride in your program.”